Roberta Aguirre
Getting a passport can be a lengthy process, with routine services taking up to 6 weeks to process and an additional 2 weeks for mailing. If you are in a hurry, expedited services are available, but they still take 2-3 weeks and do not include mailing times. In the case of a life-or-death emergency, you can make an appointment at a passport agency or center, but you must be travelling within 14 days to a foreign country. You can also download the MPC app to save your passport information for future use, which can speed up your interaction with CBP officers. However, this does not replace your passport. When travelling, it is recommended to always carry your passport on your person, as you will need to show it at check-in and boarding for international flights.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Is a passport required for international flights? | Yes, a passport is required for international flights. However, there may be exceptions for certain countries or programs, such as traveling between the US and Canada. |
| Where is a passport checked? | The passport is usually checked at multiple points, including check-in, security, customs, and at the boarding gate. |
| Are there alternative forms of identification accepted? | Yes, alternative forms of ID, such as a driver's license, may be accepted in some cases, especially for domestic flights. However, starting May 7, 2025, state-issued driver's licenses and IDs that are not REAL ID-compliant will no longer be accepted at airports. |
| Are there any apps to facilitate the process? | The Mobile Passport Control (MPC) app allows travelers to submit their passport information and other travel details in advance, expediting the process at the airport. The "Mobile Pass" app can also be used for re-entry into the US. |
| Are there any specific requirements for children? | Children under 18 traveling within the US are generally not required to provide identification. However, unaccompanied minors eligible for TSA PreCheck must show acceptable ID. |
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What You'll Learn
TSA requirements for US airports
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has specific requirements for air travellers at US airports. Firstly, adult passengers aged 18 and over must show valid identification at the airport checkpoint. From May 7, 2025, only REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses and state-issued photo identity cards will be accepted. Passengers without these forms of ID must present an acceptable alternative, such as a passport, or they may be subject to additional screening.
Children under 18 travelling within the US are not required to show identification. However, unaccompanied minors eligible for TSA PreCheck must provide ID for expedited screening. TSA recommends that travellers with specific questions about ID requirements for those under 18 contact their airline.
The TSA also operates a risk-based passenger pre-screening program called Secure Flight. This program matches passenger names against trusted traveller lists and watchlists to identify low and high-risk passengers before they arrive at the airport. The program collects minimal personal information, including full name, date of birth, and sex.
In addition to ID requirements, the TSA has other security measures in place at US airports. For example, travellers are advised to place powder-like substances over 12 oz/350 mL in their checked baggage, as powders in carry-on baggage may require secondary screening. The TSA also works closely with international partners to maintain aviation security standards and adapt security procedures based on evolving threats.
To facilitate a smoother screening process, the TSA recommends that travellers arrive at the airport early and refer to the TSA Security Screening page for information on airport security measures. Additionally, travellers can utilise the Mobile Passport Control (MPC) app, which allows for the electronic submission of travel details and CBP inspection questions, expediting the interaction with CBP officers upon arrival.
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International flights
When travelling on international flights, it is standard practice to check and scan your passport at multiple points during your journey. This includes at security, customs, and upon boarding the aircraft, along with your boarding pass. The name on your boarding pass must match the name on your passport.
It is important to note that requirements may vary depending on your citizenship, destination, and the specific regulations of the airport and country you are visiting. For example, when returning to the US from a Canadian airport, you will be required to show your passport at the gate when boarding. However, Canadian airports typically do not check IDs at security, instead doing so at the gate, even for domestic flights.
To streamline your re-entry into the US, you can download the "Mobile Pass" app, which is TSA's app that eliminates the Border Card. Additionally, permanent residents of the US can opt to have their photo taken at the gate when boarding international flights, which is then shared with US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) for facial recognition technology. This means you won't need to present your passport, but you still need to carry it with you.
In terms of visa requirements, these differ depending on your destination. For instance, most people travelling to Canada need a visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), although US citizens may only need a valid passport. For travel to the UK, citizens of the US and other countries need to obtain an ETA for short stays of up to 6 months.
It is always advisable to arrive at the airport early for international flights, with recommendations of at least 3 hours prior to departure, and to check the specific requirements for your destination, including any vaccination or medication declaration needs.
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Domestic flights
For domestic flights within the US, you need a valid US government-issued photo ID or a passport from your country of origin to travel through security. Your ID must be REAL ID-compliant; state-issued driver's licenses and IDs that are not REAL ID-compliant are no longer accepted as valid forms of identification at airports. A temporary driver's license is also not an acceptable form of identification.
According to the Department for Homeland Security, residents of all states will soon have to use a REAL ID-compliant ID for domestic air travel. You can check with your state department of motor vehicles to see if your ID complies with REAL ID. If it does not, you should either travel with an acceptable alternative form of ID, such as a passport, or enroll for a state-issued REAL ID.
If you are travelling on a domestic flight within the US and do not have a REAL ID-compliant form of identification, you will be notified of your non-compliance and may be directed to a separate area for additional screening. The TSA officer may ask you to complete an identity verification process which includes collecting information such as your name and current address to confirm your identity.
If you are a US citizen, you do not need a passport to enter US territories like Puerto Rico; you can enter with a valid government-issued ID. However, if you are a permanent resident of the US, you must bring the appropriate documentation to be able to re-enter the US.
To speed up your interaction with the CBP Officer, you can download the Mobile Passport Control (MPC) app for Apple or Android and scan your passport. Take a self-photo and answer a few questions in the app about your arrival and declarations. Your submission is active for 4 hours.
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Boarding processes
The boarding process at the airport involves several steps and may vary depending on the airport and the airline. Here is a detailed overview of the typical boarding processes:
Check-in
Most airlines recommend checking in at least 30 to 50 minutes before the scheduled departure time. Some airlines may have specific check-in requirements, so it is essential to review their guidelines. Checking in on time ensures that you have a smooth experience and avoids the risk of losing your seat to another passenger. Online check-in is often available 24 hours before departure, allowing you to save time at the airport. Self-service kiosks are also available at many airports for a quicker check-in process.
Security Checks
After checking in, you will proceed to the security checks. Here, you will be required to present your boarding pass and valid identification, such as a passport or a driver's license, depending on the requirements of your destination country. You will then go through security screening, where your hand luggage will be scanned for any prohibited items, and you will pass through a metal detector. It is important to cooperate with the security officers and follow their instructions.
Boarding
Boarding usually begins 30 to 50 minutes before departure, but this can vary. It is important to be at the gate on time, as boarding ends approximately 15 minutes before departure. Some airlines may allow passengers requiring special assistance or travelling with children to board early. At the gate, you will need to present your boarding pass and passport or other valid identification. Your passport will be scanned and checked against a dedicated global database to ensure you have the necessary authorization to enter your destination country.
Customs and Immigration
When returning to certain countries, such as the United States, you may be able to expedite the customs and immigration process by using a mobile app provided by the customs authorities. By submitting your passport information and travel details in advance, you can speed up your interaction with customs officers and reduce waiting times. However, it is important to note that mobile apps do not replace physical passports or other required travel documents.
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Mobile Passport Control (MPC)
To use MPC, you must first download the app and scan your passport to get started. Your passport information will be securely stored in the app for future use. When travelling with a group, you can add up to 12 people to a submission from one device, allowing you to stay together when speaking to the CBP officer.
Next, you will need to take a self-photo and answer questions in the app about your arrival and declarations. Your submission is active for four hours, and you can submit your travel details either from your mode of transport or upon arrival at a port of entry. It is important to note that if your flight is diverted to an airport that does not utilise MPC processing, you will not be able to use MPC as planned.
Once you arrive at your selected port of entry, submit your information by tapping the "Yes, Submit Now" button. CBP will then send a virtual receipt to your device, and you will need to follow the instructions provided. Remember to bring your passport and other relevant travel documents, as these will still be required for inspection by a CBP officer. Look for designated MPC lines marked with signage to finalise your inspection, where you can expect a shorter wait due to the increased efficiency of MPC processing.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you will need to show your passport at the airport, usually at check-in and/or boarding.
TSA's responsibility is to confirm that the person presenting the boarding pass is the person whose name is printed thereon. Therefore, you may be able to use a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or other acceptable forms of ID at security.
TSA does not require children under 18 to provide identification when travelling within the United States. However, unaccompanied minors eligible for TSA PreCheck must show an acceptable ID.
If you are travelling on a domestic flight within the United States, you may not need to show your passport. However, it is always good to carry it with you as you may be asked for it.
Yes, you will need to show your passport when travelling internationally. You will need to show it at check-in, security, and/or boarding.
